Systems and techniques for applying an electromagnetic field to bodily tissue include a self-contained and portable electromagnetic field generating device adhered to a surface with an adhesive composition on the applicator such that the radiated electromagnetic fields impinge upon the bodily tissue. The adhesive composition may include a therapeutic substance such as a rubefacient and/or one or more additives. The device includes an electromagnetic field generator, which is coupled to an antenna that is arranged to radiate the electromagnetic field. A power source is coupled to the generator to provide power for the device and an activator is used to initiate radiation of the electromagnetic field.